Bliss Mill, Chipping Norton's most famous landmark

Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire

Nestled in the picturesque hills of Oxfordshire lies a hidden gem that goes by the name of Chipping Norton. Affectionately referred to as 'Chippy' by locals, this quaint market town is bursting with charm and character. But don't let its small size fool you - Chipping Norton packs a punch when it comes to history, culture, and natural beauty. From its historic buildings and bustling markets to its stunning countryside views, there's no shortage of things to see and do in this enchanting corner of England.

Chipping Norton - A bustling Cotswold market town

The bustling market town of Chipping Norton is the highest town in Oxfordshire at approximately 700ft above sea level. This lofty position gives Chipping Norton commading views across traditional Cotswold countryside, not least across the valley to Bliss Mill, a landmark dating back to 1872.

What does "Chipping" mean?

The word "Chipping" means market, revealing the town's past importance as a commercial centre for the Evenlode valley. Other examples os this use of Chipping includes Chipping Campden in Gloucestershire and an area of Tetbury known as The Chippings.

Map of Chipping Norton

Chipping Norton Norton is located 11 miles north of Burford in probably one of the least explored and commercialised areas of the Cotswolds.

Chipping Norton, then and now

In medieval times, when the Cotswolds were one of the wealthiest parts of England due to the production of wool, Chipping Norton grew in importance and many of the mediaeval buildings built as a result remain in the town centre. There are also many buildings dating from the 18th century.

The 2001 census records the resident population of Chipping Norton as 5,972.

The late Ronnie Barker once ran an antiques shop in Chipping Norton and motoring journalist Jeremy Clarkson lives close by.

Local attractions include the Rollright Stones at Great Rollright.

Visit Chipping Norton

Chipping Norton is a charming and historic town that offers a unique blend of old-world charm and modern amenities. With its picturesque streets, beautiful architecture, and vibrant community, it is no wonder that Chipping Norton has become a popular destination for both tourists and residents alike.

Whether you are interested in exploring the local shops and boutiques, visiting the nearby Cotswolds countryside, or simply enjoying a leisurely stroll along the river, there is something for everyone to enjoy in this delightful town.

So why not plan your next trip to Chipping Norton and experience all that it has to offer? Visit today and discover the hidden gems of this idyllic town in the Oxfordshire Cotswolds.

Chipping Norton page last updated 2 February 2024. Spotted a mistake? Please let us know.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - Chipping Norton

Jeremy Clarkson's Farm, Diddley Squat, is near Chipping Norton in Oxfordshire.

Permalink: Where is Jeremy Clarkson's farm?

Chipping Norton is in the West Oxfordshire area of the Cotswolds, about 12 miles south-west of Banbury, 15 miles north of Witney and 18 miles north-west of Oxford.

Permalink: Where is Chipping Norton?

Chipping Norton is the highest town in Oxfordshire and is in the Cotswolds.

Permalink: Is Chipping Norton in the Cotswolds?

Chipping Norton, in the Oxfordshire Cotswolds, is approximately 22 miles from Bibury in Gloucestershire.

From Chipping Norton take the Burford Road (A361) to Burford, then turn right onto the A40 towards Cheltenham for just over a mile before turning left onto the B4425 to Bibury.

Permalink: How far is it from Chipping Norton to Bibury?

The Rollright Stones is an ancient site located on the Oxfordshire and Warwickshire border, approximately 4 miles from Chipping Norton in the Cotswolds.

The complex consists of three main elements, The King's Men stone circle, the King Stone, and the Whispering Knights.

The Stones are normally open to the public daily all the year round including being available to night-time stargazers. The entry charge is £1 for adults and 50p for children aged 7 to 16.

Link: Rollright Stones

Permalink: Where are the Rollright Stones?

Kingfisher Art open at 14 New Street Chipping Norton during June 2021.

The gallery hosts a mix of contemporary artists, some local to the surrounding counties and some from further afield.

Link: Kingfisher Art, Chipping Norton

Permalink: What is the name of the new art gallery in Chipping Norton?

Chipping Norton is in the county of Oxfordshire.

Permalink: What county is Chipping Norton in?

Attractions, businesses and places to visit in the local area

Chipping Norton Museum

Chipping Norton Museum of Local History

Chipping Norton Museum was first opened in March 1986 in the old schoolroom of the Baptist Chapel in New Street. The Museum moved to its present home in 1995.

Kingfisher Art

Kingfisher Art, Chipping Norton

Kingfisher Art is a contemporary art gallery in Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire. The gallery hosts a mix of contemporary artists, some local to the surrounding counties and some from further afield.

Chipping Norton Theatre

The Theatre Chipping Norton

The Theatre Chipping Norton is a hidden gem, nestled down a residential street of Chipping Norton

Chipping Norton Lido

Chipping Norton Lido, Oxfordshire

Set in the Oxfordshire Cotswolds, Chipping Norton Lido has a 25m heated outdoor swimming pool and a large, tree-lined lawn, making it perfect for an afternoon's outdoor fun

Cotswold Hills Country Park

Camping at Cotswold Hills Country Park, Oxfordshire

Cotswold Hills Country Park is our Touring Caravan and Holiday Lodge Park in the beautiful Cotswolds in Chipping Norton in Oxfordshire.

Cotswold Hills Country Park

Cotswold Hills Country Park, Oxfordshire

Cotswold Hills Country Park is our Touring Caravan and Holiday Lodge Park in the beautiful Cotswolds in Chipping Norton in Oxfordshire.

We provide 70 touring pitches all with electric hook ups.

Fairytale Farm

Fairytale Farm, near Chipping Norton

Mixing classic fairy tales, animals and adventure play, children will love Fairytale Farm

Rollright Stones

Rollright Stones

The Rollright Stones are a complex of three Neolithic and Bronze Age megalithic monuments near the village of Long Compton, and approximately 4 miles from Chipping Norton, on the borders of Oxfordshire and Warwickshire.

Chastleton House

Chastleton House in Oxfordshire

Owned by the National Trust since 1991, Chastleton House is a Jacobean country house at Chastleton, Oxfordshire, close to Moreton-in-Marsh. It is a Grade I listed building.

The Old Post Office

The Old Post Office, Adlestrop near Moreton in Marsh

Luxury Bed and Breakfast in the Picturesque Cotswold village of Adlestrop

Whichford Pottery

Whichford Pottery

Whichford Pottery is a family business with a world renowned reputation for quality, design and service

Banbury Hill Farm

Banbury Hill Farm, Charlbury

Bed & Breakfast at Banbury Hill Farm - A truly unique location in the Oxfordshire countryside

Cotswold View Caravan and Camping Park

Cotswold View Caravan and Camping Park

Cotswold View Caravan and Camping Park is set in 54 acres of rolling, wooded farmland

Great Tew

Great Tew, Oxfordshire

Great Tew is an English village and civil parish in Oxfordshire, about 5 miles north-east of Chipping Norton and 8 miles south-west of Banbury

Charlbury Museum

Charlbury Museum

Charlbury Museum is an independent museum, run entirely by volunteers. Its five rooms are crammed with exhibits revealing the history of this ancient market town

Corsham Field Farmhouse

Corsham Field Farmhouse, Stow on the Wold

A charming four star English Bed and Breakfast near to Stow-on-the-Wold in the beautiful Cotswolds countryside

Feldon Valley

Golf at Feldon Valley, Oxfordshire

Feldon Valley warmly welcomes everyone to Feldon Valley and offer a golf course suitable to all golfing abilities.

The Manor House

The Manor House, Moreton in Marsh

The Manor House Hotel, Moreton in Marsh, is an enchanting 16th Century Cotswold retreat where you can both indulge and relax in a homely atmosphere

Number Nine Bed and Breakfast

Number Nine, Stow on the Wold

Number Nine bed and breakfast is just the right mix of classic Cotswolds and modern luxury with all the little touches you'd expect in a boutique hotel.

Moreton-in-Marsh

Moreton in Marsh, Gloucestershire

Moreton-in-Marsh is in the heart of the Cotswolds, located at the head of the beautiful Evenlode valley.

The Old Stocks Inn

The Old Stocks Inn, Stow on the Wold

Nestled in the heart of Stow-on-the-Wold, The Old Stocks Inn is a beautiful 17th-century coaching inn that really stands out from the crowd.

The Curated Store

The Curated Store, Stow on the Wold

The Curated Store is a new design led pop up shop curating a monthly rotation of independent brands

Stow-on-the-Wold

Stow on the Wold, Gloucestershire

Stow on the Wold stands exposed on a 800 feet high hill on the ancient Roman Fosse Way that leads to the Midlands.

Red Rag Stow Gallery

Reg Rag Stow Gallery

Red Rag is one of the leading UK art galleries for Modern British Art, paintings and sculptures. Find the Stow-on-the-Wold gallery at 5-7 Church Street

Stow Lodge Hotel

Stow Lodge Hotel, Stow-on-the-Wold

Situated in the heart of the Cotswolds, Stow Lodge Hotel is centrally located in the historic hill top town of Stow-on-the-Wold, overlooking the market square, with its many unique, interesting, shops and galleries.

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